Magpies close to Harewood deal

24 September 2009 08:47

Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton has confirmed striker Marlon Harewood is on the verge of signing on loan from Aston Villa.

Harewood is expected to move to the north-east on a two-month deal as Hughton looks to bolster his attacking options and push for promotion from the Championship at the first attempt.

He told the club's official website www.nufc.co.uk: "We are still waiting for finalisation and paperwork to be completed. But we have an agreement to bring him in and we're very much hoping the deal goes through before the weekend."

Harewood, 30, arrived at Villa Park for £4million from West Ham in July 2007, but failed to force his way into manager Martin O'Neill's plans.

He has scored just seven goals for the Premier League club and has not featured in the first team since returning from a loan spell with Wolves last season.